ISLAMABAD: After the government once again offered talks to the PTI to end the political impasse, PTI founder Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan on Tuesday ruled out any dialogue with the government, claiming her brother had never mentioned a “national dialogue” in their meetings.

Ms Khan had arrived at the Adiala jail in Rawalpindi to meet her incarcerated brother but the jail administration did not allow the meeting. She said that during their last few meetings, her brother never hinted that talks could be started with the government.

She categorically denied such speculations and alleged that they were being spread by the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.

She said the PTI would remain committed to political struggle and would continue its agitation against the government, adding that in her last meeting, Imran Khan had given clear directions to confront the government.

PTI founder’s sister says speculation about dialogue ‘meant to confuse masses’; reiterates boycott of by-polls

She said no PTI leader was allowed to meet Imran Khan during the last few weeks, so how could it be possible that Imran Khan had allowed the dialogue with the government?

She said rumours regarding any possible dialogue were politically motivated and meant to confuse the masses. She claimed that such tactics were proof that PTI’s influence and popularity were increasing.

Earlier this month, the government and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq offered dialogue to the PTI on issues of national importance.

The dialogue offer was extended by government ministers and the speaker during a debate on the Kashmir issue, as the nation observed Kashmir Exploitation Day to mark the anniversary of India’s controversial Aug 5, 2019, amendment, which altered the disputed status of the region. In response, PTI members welcomed the offer for talks but questioned the government’s authority to initiate dialogue.

While replying to a question, Aleema Khan said that Imran had asked his party not to contest the by-elections, as it would be an attempt to make the process legitimate.

She hoped the party would get justice from the Supreme Court. It may be noted that in multiple May 9 cases, over a dozen PTI lawmakers were recently convicted and subsequently disqualified by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

Her sister Uzma Khan, while rejecting the possibility of dialogue, said that the PTI would go for a “political movement” and claimed that her brother had already given directions to his party leaders to mobilise the masses. She said it was the only possible way to deal with the ongoing circumstances.

It may be noted that the PTI had announced the launch of the ‘free Imran Khan movement’ that reached its ‘crescendo’ on Aug 5 and is expected to continue till the release of the incarcerated party chief.

However, the agitation failed to materialise into anything tangible and instead revealed cracks in the former ruling party.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2025